The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has successfully prosecuted and sentenced four internet fraudsters in separate hearings presided over by Justices Darius Khobo and A.A Isiaka at the Kaduna State High Court.
The sentencing took place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Mohammed Ibrahim and Ibrahim Yusuf were convicted and sentenced by Justice Isiaka, while Mubàrak Olarewaju Ibrahim and Olorunfemi Feyi Samuel were sentenced by Justice Khobo.
Each of the convicts faced charges related to fraudulent activities and cheating through impersonation, to which they pleaded guilty.
Prosecution counsels, M.E Eimonye and M. Lawal, urged the courts to proceed with conviction and sentencing following the guilty pleas.
As a result, Justice Khobo sentenced Ibrahim to two years in prison with a fine option of N150,000. Samuel received a five-year prison sentence or a fine of N150,000, along with an order to repay $205 to the victim.
Justice Isiaka sentenced Mohammed to two years in prison or a fine of N150,000, and Yusuf to two years in prison or a fine of N100,000, with an additional order for Yusuf to repay $200 to the victim.
Furthermore, all the convicts forfeited their recovered mobile phones to the Federal Government.
The arrests stemmed from sting operations conducted by Kaduna Command operatives based on credible intelligence, revealing the fraudulent activities of the individuals who impersonated foreigners to carry out their scams.